[It's quiet. For a moment it might seem like he's either not in this room (which is fair, given his room is right next door to Rideaux's) but eventually you can hear a few thumps against the door as he pulls himself up and opens it.]
...Rean.
[He seems a bit surprised to see Rean, but he holds open the door anyway so Rean can enter.
The room doesn't look to be in bad condition this time around; there's a large collection of makeup and crystals (with some rather large light blue ones) gathered on the desk, but otherwise it seems he came back in here and then promptly did nothing until Rean knocked on the door.]
What can I help you with?
[He's not even pretending to hide just how tired he sounds but he gestures to the room; make yourself at home.]
[ He had been wondering for a moment if that had been the case. Things being what they are, though, he wouldn't have blamed the man necessarily.
He'll come into the room, noticing the crystals, though...he wouldn't exactly know what those were. Then he'll take a seat in at least a chair in the room. ]
...nothing much, actually. I was looking to see how you were doing after all of that.
Things had actually gotten heated during the trial, after all.
[ It's good the man had at least looked a little bothered by it at all. That being said... ]
I know you weren't the only one who made a mistake at that time. Even I did for awhile, thinking at the least it was Sanguis until the last portion of the trial.
At the very least, I think after today it's something people will definitely keep in mind so we could avoid it if there's a next time.
...Still, I'll see what if there's anything I could do on my end to see if there's any hostilies remaining and if they could be eased at least a little.
I refused to consider it could be anything else. I was... furious with Rideaux.
[He still is; Rideaux made some rather rude remarks about his mask, after all. Sure, that's not nearly as important as trying to get an innocent man killed but maybe he would have been a bit more level-headed if he hadn't been so furious.]
I appreciate the offer, Rean. I don't expect things to ever go smoothly between us now, all I ask is that he doesn't get it in his head to kill me.
[Which really isn't something even Rean can talk Rideaux out of, if Rideaux sets his mind on it. It's a terrifying idea and one he really doesn't want to consider, but...]
If I do turn up dead...
[Make sure Rideaux dies for it is what he was going for, but suddenly another thought occurs to him and he pauses. The pause lasts almost too long as he stares contemplatively at the floor.]
...Will you look out for Dist and Cumore? They're both likely to do something stupid. I don't want either of them getting hurt or killed.
[That's perhaps the most stunted way he could possibly put that, but there it is. Having friends is difficult, how do you people do it??]
Rean had of course presumed part of if it could've been from losing his cool at least, even if another had presumed that it tied in with almost getting an innocent killed. So he at least got it half-way...in a way. ]
Yeah, I'd really rather not. Even though an innocent person almost died tonight, I could never condone anyone going after someone like that.
[ It's unacceptable. But at the rest of the other's words, Rean frowned. He...understood the other's words, even if he looked troubled by the outcome. Iago was interesting to speak to, so... ]
On the off chance that what you said has come to pass, I will. But please do your best to make it through it all, Iago. And in the meanwhile I will look out for you too.
[never underestimate how spiteful and petty he can be, rean.]
Thank you. That's all I can ask of you.
[But that... well, it earns a soft, startled laugh.]
Though I do appreciate that you're willing to look out for me as well. I... am at a bit of a disadvantage here. Rideaux is supposedly a skilled fighter and he didn't lose all of his abilities with being dragged here as I have.
[maybe... he should have tried to raise that strength stat a little......... or at least trained in something besides magic........]
I don't anticipate anything happening to me. But I want to have a plan in place in case something does. Thank you.
It's really no problem, I'm always glad to help a friend in need.
[ Honestly, Iago really should have. That being said...Rean looked thoughtful. He doubted there's much he could do about the man's physique because the difference between him and Rideaux was like night and day.
But... ]
I understand having a contingency plan, even if I hope it never comes to that.
And with all of that said, though, I was wondering if you might be up for a little bit of self-defense lessons? I doubt there's much I can do to really add to your ability, but I can at least maybe teach you a few pointers.
[...At least Rean has the decency not to say any of that aloud... It gets Iago to pause as he considers it.]
I have no intention of letting myself die here. If there's anything I can do in order to better protect myself, then I would be a fool not to learn.
What little I do know for self-defense is... rather lacking and only learned through necessity; I began studying magic when I was young, so I've never had much of a need for anything else.
[He's also usually a commander rather than fighting on the front lines, so it's not like he's ever really needed anything physical...]
I appreciate it, Rean. You don't have to do all of this for me.
[That gets his gaze to dart; it's something that's been confusing him almost this entire time. Rean just wants to look out for people, it seems. It's just really strange for Rean to look after him too.]
Honestly, he's glad Iago accepted. While he was sure the other would not let himself die so easily, it would also ease his mind some. He would rather the man safe than not - there's more than just murders that were a threat here, after all. ]
...I understand. I know there are people like that back on my world as well. Maybe we can start sometime on Sunday or Monday? Any day you'd like, really.
[ But you know orbal arts, mostly. And witches, he supposed. ]
Haha, well...I'm really just glad to help. And it's definitely not out of obligation or anything. Though it's been a short time and the situation isn't great, I really do like sharing company with you. I really don't think that's something that will change either.
Either day would work; I should be feeling better by then.
["Better" in meaning "less like a basket case", but that's kind of the best he can manage right now. At least Dist is helping.]
I do have some limited experience with knives though I... obviously don't have any talent for anything ranged.
[No throwing knives or anything. He taps on his mask in explanation. It does completely cover one of his eyes, after all. Aiming's a bit tricky, but at least with magic he knows how to compensate for it. Anything else is just going to be hilariously bad.]
Once again, you have my thanks. I've found your company enjoyable and you've always been quick to assist me. It's... appreciated, Rean. Truly.
[The words are sort of awkward, like he's still not really accustomed to being genuine when he's thanking someone. Probably because that's exactly what it is.]
[ And this was why having a support network was nice. ]
Alright. We could meet in the gym on Monday?
[ Rean will decide that Sunday was rest day, interspersed with probably feeding Dazai and maybe other people. ]
Well, luckily I'm going to say that ranged weaponry won't be part of the training regimen, then. It'd be silly to have you try throwing something, considering.
[ He at least understood the mask tapping to mean it was a poor idea. Not to mention he doubted Iago would fare well with a gun...not that he had one, anyway.
Rean also caught that awkwardness and honestly? It just made his smile soften. He's really happy that he could lend enough help to incur such gratitude, and that the other also liked his company. It made an admittedly stressful day less so. ]
It's really no trouble, Iago. If you've ever need any help in the future with something else, feel free to ask. And honestly? Thank you, that does mean a lot to hear that you do.
[Thanks, Rean... He appreciates not having to explain anything about the mask either; outside of Rideaux and Shin, you guys have actually been pretty good about not asking about it?? Weird.
Anyway, Rean's words get a nod from him, though he still doesn't really know what to do with that.]
You've become an invaluable member of our group. Truthfully, I don't know what we'd end up doing if something were to happen to you. Even if the others haven't thanked you for your hard work, I'm sure they appreciate it.
[It's something he expressed to Rembrandt once, so maybe it's good to let Rean know that his efforts are appreciated.]
[ Rean might've assumed this whole entire time that Iago just really REALLY loved his mask as a fashion choice. Ala Blueblanc, but he found Iago much less insufferable than that thief. Like ten times less because Iago was actually pleasant and the other guy just not. ]
...I don't know what to say to that, other than thank you.
[ He wasn't keeping track, but he was sure people might have been grateful. That being said, four people had actually thanked him, and Iago was one of them. And he still he was surprised whenever someone would. ]
I think everyone has been a driving force in allowing me to even assist as much as I have. You too, Iago. You've been one of the hardest working people I know in this place, and I do appreciate that. I always will.
[Well, that certainly is part of it, it's his aesthetic. But that's not the only reason why!!]
I always put my all into everything I do. I've been blessed with natural magical talent, but I wouldn't have gotten to where I am today if I hadn't been willing to work for it and fight my way to the top.
[Not literally. Usually.]
I've come to see this as a challenge; it's us against the Lady and I intend to win. There's so much I don't know here, which stacks the odds against me, but there isn't a challenge I haven't overcome and I'm not starting now.
[ Rean couldn't help the light-hearted joke, considering the other's status as a tactician and everything as well. ]
...I can't say that some part of me doesn't see it that same way, so at the least we do have that in common.
But, I don't doubt you'll stop being reliable, and so I will believe in our success against her in this awful game as long as we're able to all keep supporting one another.
[ To an extent because Rean wasn't expecting everyone to hold hands and sing praises of Aidios together. ]
I agree. We've already fractured this group enough; at this point we do need to stop killing each other and try to work together to put a stop to the Lady's plans. Not that it will be easy, and I'm sure a few more people will die before we're able to understand exactly what she's been doing here, but working together is in our best interests.
While I am still furious at Rideaux, I'm willing to put that aside and work with him, if need be. Though it would likely be best to keep us separated, if possible.
[He may be willing to overlook the fact that he tried to get Rideaux killed, but he's pretty damn sure Rideaux won't. They have bigger things to worry about, though.]
It really is. I don't like the idea of people dying being a certainly before we're able to truly band together, but...it's a reality I realize I must accept at this point. But, I've certainly have had enough, and so have you.
And I bet some of the others as well, so it's a matter of time.
[ He recalled his discussion with Raven, which made him feel a little bit of hope but he knew better than to get them up too high in regards to murder maybe not happening... ]
...I'm glad to hear that. I'll also keep that in mind, and at the very least I don't think he'll object to having to work with you if we're able to keep both of you separated. I know how he can be, but I'd like to think survival takes precedence over any grudge he'll have.
Precisely. I don't have any interest in arguing with him further.
[...okay maybe that's not the truth, but he'll try not to start fights, at least. He can manage that much. Hopefully.]
I appreciate your assistance, Rean. You've done such an incredible job of keeping us on task this far, and I have no doubts you'll continue to do well through the end of this. I doubt it can last for much longer.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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...Rean.
[He seems a bit surprised to see Rean, but he holds open the door anyway so Rean can enter.
The room doesn't look to be in bad condition this time around; there's a large collection of makeup and crystals (with some rather large light blue ones) gathered on the desk, but otherwise it seems he came back in here and then promptly did nothing until Rean knocked on the door.]
What can I help you with?
[He's not even pretending to hide just how tired he sounds but he gestures to the room; make yourself at home.]
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He'll come into the room, noticing the crystals, though...he wouldn't exactly know what those were. Then he'll take a seat in at least a chair in the room. ]
...nothing much, actually. I was looking to see how you were doing after all of that.
Things had actually gotten heated during the trial, after all.
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They certainly did. I... should have been more careful.
[It's not really an apology, but he does have the decency to sound a bit bothered by the whole thing.]
It seemed like the only way forward, and I blinded myself to other possibilities.
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I know you weren't the only one who made a mistake at that time. Even I did for awhile, thinking at the least it was Sanguis until the last portion of the trial.
At the very least, I think after today it's something people will definitely keep in mind so we could avoid it if there's a next time.
...Still, I'll see what if there's anything I could do on my end to see if there's any hostilies remaining and if they could be eased at least a little.
[ He knew how uh. Rideaux could get, so. ]
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[He still is; Rideaux made some rather rude remarks about his mask, after all. Sure, that's not nearly as important as trying to get an innocent man killed but maybe he would have been a bit more level-headed if he hadn't been so furious.]
I appreciate the offer, Rean. I don't expect things to ever go smoothly between us now, all I ask is that he doesn't get it in his head to kill me.
[Which really isn't something even Rean can talk Rideaux out of, if Rideaux sets his mind on it. It's a terrifying idea and one he really doesn't want to consider, but...]
If I do turn up dead...
[Make sure Rideaux dies for it is what he was going for, but suddenly another thought occurs to him and he pauses. The pause lasts almost too long as he stares contemplatively at the floor.]
...Will you look out for Dist and Cumore? They're both likely to do something stupid. I don't want either of them getting hurt or killed.
[That's perhaps the most stunted way he could possibly put that, but there it is. Having friends is difficult, how do you people do it??]
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Rean had of course presumed part of if it could've been from losing his cool at least, even if another had presumed that it tied in with almost getting an innocent killed. So he at least got it half-way...in a way. ]
Yeah, I'd really rather not. Even though an innocent person almost died tonight, I could never condone anyone going after someone like that.
[ It's unacceptable. But at the rest of the other's words, Rean frowned. He...understood the other's words, even if he looked troubled by the outcome. Iago was interesting to speak to, so... ]
On the off chance that what you said has come to pass, I will. But please do your best to make it through it all, Iago. And in the meanwhile I will look out for you too.
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Thank you. That's all I can ask of you.
[But that... well, it earns a soft, startled laugh.]
Though I do appreciate that you're willing to look out for me as well. I... am at a bit of a disadvantage here. Rideaux is supposedly a skilled fighter and he didn't lose all of his abilities with being dragged here as I have.
[maybe... he should have tried to raise that strength stat a little......... or at least trained in something besides magic........]
I don't anticipate anything happening to me. But I want to have a plan in place in case something does. Thank you.
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[ Honestly, Iago really should have. That being said...Rean looked thoughtful. He doubted there's much he could do about the man's physique because the difference between him and Rideaux was like night and day.
But... ]
I understand having a contingency plan, even if I hope it never comes to that.
And with all of that said, though, I was wondering if you might be up for a little bit of self-defense lessons? I doubt there's much I can do to really add to your ability, but I can at least maybe teach you a few pointers.
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I have no intention of letting myself die here. If there's anything I can do in order to better protect myself, then I would be a fool not to learn.
What little I do know for self-defense is... rather lacking and only learned through necessity; I began studying magic when I was young, so I've never had much of a need for anything else.
[He's also usually a commander rather than fighting on the front lines, so it's not like he's ever really needed anything physical...]
I appreciate it, Rean. You don't have to do all of this for me.
[That gets his gaze to dart; it's something that's been confusing him almost this entire time. Rean just wants to look out for people, it seems. It's just really strange for Rean to look after him too.]
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Honestly, he's glad Iago accepted. While he was sure the other would not let himself die so easily, it would also ease his mind some. He would rather the man safe than not - there's more than just murders that were a threat here, after all. ]
...I understand. I know there are people like that back on my world as well. Maybe we can start sometime on Sunday or Monday? Any day you'd like, really.
[ But you know orbal arts, mostly. And witches, he supposed. ]
Haha, well...I'm really just glad to help. And it's definitely not out of obligation or anything. Though it's been a short time and the situation isn't great, I really do like sharing company with you. I really don't think that's something that will change either.
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["Better" in meaning "less like a basket case", but that's kind of the best he can manage right now. At least Dist is helping.]
I do have some limited experience with knives though I... obviously don't have any talent for anything ranged.
[No throwing knives or anything. He taps on his mask in explanation. It does completely cover one of his eyes, after all. Aiming's a bit tricky, but at least with magic he knows how to compensate for it. Anything else is just going to be hilariously bad.]
Once again, you have my thanks. I've found your company enjoyable and you've always been quick to assist me. It's... appreciated, Rean. Truly.
[The words are sort of awkward, like he's still not really accustomed to being genuine when he's thanking someone. Probably because that's exactly what it is.]
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Alright. We could meet in the gym on Monday?
[ Rean will decide that Sunday was rest day, interspersed with probably feeding Dazai and maybe other people. ]
Well, luckily I'm going to say that ranged weaponry won't be part of the training regimen, then. It'd be silly to have you try throwing something, considering.
[ He at least understood the mask tapping to mean it was a poor idea. Not to mention he doubted Iago would fare well with a gun...not that he had one, anyway.
Rean also caught that awkwardness and honestly? It just made his smile soften. He's really happy that he could lend enough help to incur such gratitude, and that the other also liked his company. It made an admittedly stressful day less so. ]
It's really no trouble, Iago. If you've ever need any help in the future with something else, feel free to ask. And honestly? Thank you, that does mean a lot to hear that you do.
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[Thanks, Rean... He appreciates not having to explain anything about the mask either; outside of Rideaux and Shin, you guys have actually been pretty good about not asking about it?? Weird.
Anyway, Rean's words get a nod from him, though he still doesn't really know what to do with that.]
You've become an invaluable member of our group. Truthfully, I don't know what we'd end up doing if something were to happen to you. Even if the others haven't thanked you for your hard work, I'm sure they appreciate it.
[It's something he expressed to Rembrandt once, so maybe it's good to let Rean know that his efforts are appreciated.]
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...I don't know what to say to that, other than thank you.
[ He wasn't keeping track, but he was sure people might have been grateful. That being said, four people had actually thanked him, and Iago was one of them. And he still he was surprised whenever someone would. ]
I think everyone has been a driving force in allowing me to even assist as much as I have. You too, Iago. You've been one of the hardest working people I know in this place, and I do appreciate that. I always will.
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I always put my all into everything I do. I've been blessed with natural magical talent, but I wouldn't have gotten to where I am today if I hadn't been willing to work for it and fight my way to the top.
[Not literally. Usually.]
I've come to see this as a challenge; it's us against the Lady and I intend to win. There's so much I don't know here, which stacks the odds against me, but there isn't a challenge I haven't overcome and I'm not starting now.
So don't worry. I'll keep being useful.
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[ Rean couldn't help the light-hearted joke, considering the other's status as a tactician and everything as well. ]
...I can't say that some part of me doesn't see it that same way, so at the least we do have that in common.
But, I don't doubt you'll stop being reliable, and so I will believe in our success against her in this awful game as long as we're able to all keep supporting one another.
[ To an extent because Rean wasn't expecting everyone to hold hands and sing praises of Aidios together. ]
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I agree. We've already fractured this group enough; at this point we do need to stop killing each other and try to work together to put a stop to the Lady's plans. Not that it will be easy, and I'm sure a few more people will die before we're able to understand exactly what she's been doing here, but working together is in our best interests.
While I am still furious at Rideaux, I'm willing to put that aside and work with him, if need be. Though it would likely be best to keep us separated, if possible.
[He may be willing to overlook the fact that he tried to get Rideaux killed, but he's pretty damn sure Rideaux won't. They have bigger things to worry about, though.]
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And I bet some of the others as well, so it's a matter of time.
[ He recalled his discussion with Raven, which made him feel a little bit of hope but he knew better than to get them up too high in regards to murder maybe not happening... ]
...I'm glad to hear that. I'll also keep that in mind, and at the very least I don't think he'll object to having to work with you if we're able to keep both of you separated. I know how he can be, but I'd like to think survival takes precedence over any grudge he'll have.
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[...okay maybe that's not the truth, but he'll try not to start fights, at least. He can manage that much. Hopefully.]
I appreciate your assistance, Rean. You've done such an incredible job of keeping us on task this far, and I have no doubts you'll continue to do well through the end of this. I doubt it can last for much longer.